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Story perspectives

Michigan drops to No. 28 after Top 25 exit

9/9/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Michigan fell out of the AP Top 25 after a 13-12 win over Western Michigan.
Officials added one second, allowing quarterback Bryce Underwood to complete a 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan.
Michigan dropped from preseason No. 16 to No. 28 with 69 votes, the highest-ranked team to exit after a win since 1989.
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said the controversy could bond his team and the MAC will appeal.

History

Historical Context

In 1989 the AP football poll expanded to rank 25 teams, the same season Miami (FL) won its third national championship. The larger poll amplifies single-game effects, as 2024 showed when Michigan received 69 first-place votes in the preseason poll but dropped from No. 16 to No. 28 after a one-second clock adjustment enabled a 47-yard Hail Mary.

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Story summary

Michigan fell out of the AP Top 25 after a 13-12 win over Western Michigan.
Officials added one second, allowing quarterback Bryce Underwood to complete a 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan.
Michigan dropped from preseason No. 16 to No. 28 with 69 votes, the highest-ranked team to exit after a win since 1989.
Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said the controversy could bond his team and the MAC will appeal.

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